NEWS
Empowering the Next Generation of Welsh Singers
The National Youth Arts Wales (NYAW) Côr Skills programme is designed to help young singers across Wales develop the confidence and expertise to take on a wide range of vocal and choral opportunities. From the National Youth Choir of Wales to county ensembles and beyond, the programme provides a stepping stone for passionate singers, regardless of prior formal training or experience.
NYAW staff Mason Edwards and Bruna Garcia at Côr Skills 2025
This half-term, Côr Skills continued its way around Wales, with a four-day residential course designed to inspire and develop young singers aged 14–18. Held in Lampeter from February 24–27, the residency brought together a team of expert vocal leaders and special guest mentors to nurture participants' musical talents.
Throughout the residency, aspiring young singers honed their vocal technique, musical theory, and audition skills through a series of tailored workshops. The course also placed a strong emphasis on community and social connection, with activities such as a silent disco and other fun events designed to help participants build friendships and confidence.
NYAW partnered with National Music Plan in Powys to deliver taster workshops ahead of the residency, strengthening its presence in Mid Wales and encouraging more young people to engage with choral music.
Parents were full of praise for the impact of Côr Skills:
“[My daughter] had an amazing time and learnt a lot at her time there. After learning so much [my daughter] was wondering if there is anything similar you will be running this year.”
- Parent of Côr Skills participant
“We just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone for giving [my son] the most incredible week at Côr Skills. The performance this afternoon was beautiful and quite breath-taking. We couldn’t believe what you had all achieved in just a few days – amazing!”
- Parent of Côr Skills participant
“Our Côr Skills 2025 residency was huge success! I’m so proud of all the young people who joined us and grateful to our amazing partners and funders who helped to make this happen!”
- Participation and Learning Officer, Bruna GarciaNYAW extends its heartfelt thanks to supporters including ABRSM and The Backstage Trust, whose generous contributions made Côr Skills 2025 possible.
Watch highlights from Côr Skills 2025 here
Find out more information about Côr Skills here
Supporting Young Strings Players Throughout Wales
The National Youth Arts Wales (NYAW) programme “Strings Attached” has continued its roll-out around Wales. During February, we welcomed over 50 young string players at University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Carmarthen, for an intensive, ambitious day of musical learning.
The strategic initiative for young musicians is aimed at those at Grade 5 and above and was run in collaboration with Powys Music Service. Strings Attached offers talented young musicians a friendly development platform to enhance their skills and musical experience, whilst making new friends.
Throughout the workshop, held on Saturday 15th February 2025, participants worked closely with the National Youth Orchestra of Wales (NYOW) team, focusing on both string repertoire and playing techniques while honing their skills. They were supported by tutors from local music services and a group of Peer Mentors—young musicians from NYOW.
The workshop also included a valuable session about the audition process for National Youth Arts Wales music ensembles. The Q&A session was led by Matthew Jones, Senior Producer and Deputy Chief Executive at National Youth Arts Wales; tutors who serve on audition panels; and Peer Mentors, who have firsthand experience of the auditions.
The day finished with a showcase performance where the young musicians played the repertoire they had worked on, from Mozart to Morfydd Owen. The high standard of the performances reflected the dedication and hard work of the participants throughout the event.
Matthew Jones said: “This has been our second year of running Strings Attached and it was fantastic to see the young talent coming up through the mid-Wales and beyond. We hope some of the musicians who participated have been inspired to continue striving and audition for our National Youth ensembles in the coming years.”
“This truly was a fantastic opportunity. Thank you again for what you do for our children and the arts in Wales.”
- Parent of Strings Attached participant
“Many thanks for putting this on and I hope there are other regular events of this nature for young string players in
S. Wales.” - Parent of Strings Attached participant
NYAW extends its gratitude to the Colwinston Charitable Trust, A&B Cymru, ABRSM, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, as well as its core funders Arts Council Wales and the National Music Service, whose support has made Strings Attached 2025 possible.
Strings Attached 2025 participants from across Wales at University of Wales Trinity Saint David